The Massachusetts Spy

[From the Norfolk (Vir.) Herald.]

Daring attempt at Robbery, and Death of the Robber.

Mr. James W. Langley, a gentleman who is a native of this place, but who at present resides in Plymouth, (N. C.) informs, that on his way here, on Thursday last, about sunset, in Gates county, (N. C.) about 36 miles probably from Suffolk, and in a rather solitary road about three miles from any house, while leisurely riding along, reclining in his chair, his horse was suddenly stopped by a stout negro fellow, apparently six feet high, remarkably fat in the face, and probably 36 or 37 years of age, who immediately ordered Mr. L. to give up his money, or he would take his life-at the same time brandishing a long two-edged knife, and approaching Mr. L. who continued to keep his seat in the chair. Mr. L. at first told the fellow that his trunk contained all his money, which he might take; but the fellow immediately replied that he "lied," for he knew he had other money, but proceeded to unlash the trunk from the rear of the chair. While he was busied in taking off the trunk, from the threats he continued to use, Mr. L. found it prudent to take out a bundle of notes which he had in his pocket, and hand it to him, requesting him to open them and tell him the amount, for he intended to publish the circumstance as soon as he reached Norfolk, which the fellow said he was welcome to do, and to say that his name was Pomp. While the fellow was in the act of overhauling the notes, Mr. L. being all the time armed, (of which, however, the robber had no suspicion,) drew a pistol from under his coat behind, and shot him dead--the contents of the pistol, consisting of 18 buck-shot, passed through his side, under the short ribs and out near the spine. To confirm his death, however, Mr. L. dismounted and gave him a blow or two on the forehead with the butt of his pistol, secured his trunk again in the rear of his chair, repossessed himself of his money which Pomp had taken from him, and drove on.